“Luck is never a factor.” Voldon bristled at the concept, motioning for the duo to follow behind him as he continued:
“There are two things that influence success: strategy and the Force. We’ve done our best to figure out the first and can only hope that the second guides us to our desired outcome.” They followed Saresh to her office, the Chancellor’s lekku twitching in agitation as she scanned the room.
“Where should I be?”
“Standing in the middle of the room where Illesia can directly see you. Once she enters the waiting area, Junoco will have the security shutter in place and that’s when we’ll strike.” 
“What if you don’t get to her in time?” The Battlemaster smirked, prompting an apologetic chuckle from the Chancellor.  
“I suppose I don’t get to question the man that killed the Emperor.” 
“I served you then, Chancellor, as I will now. Just stay calm. We’ll strike from the shadows and take this threat to the Alliance out. You have my word.” Comforted by the bold words, Saresh entered her office, leaving the trio to think over their strategy. 
“I can throw up a cloak for us, but I would only be able to sustain it for a few minutes at most."
"That's all we need. Once Illesia gets close, you can get the cloak up and we strike when she least expects it." Yerbol positioned himself in the lower right corner of the room, knees bent, saber hilt gripped tightly in both hands. 
"All we do now is wait." As Voldon and Aria figured out their own placements, the Champion closed his eyes, focusing on his rapid heartbeat, his shallow breathing. He could feel the sweat beading on his forehead, lungs tightening. 

[i]You're letting your environment dictate how you react! YOU control your environment, not the other way around![/i]

Those words had bounced mercilessly off the pitch black hallways of the tombs they sprinted through. Fear had been a frequent partner in those tomb sprints simply because he couldn't SEE anything. It flustered him to not know was coming and Renso knew it, seeking to morph a dread preoccupation into a source of strength. Yerbol still felt like he had to work on controlling that aspect of his mind, which was currently causing his freshly mended wounds to ache. 

[i]The unknown must BECOME the known![/i]

The old man was right. It was just a matter of applying the lesson now. He took in a sharp breath, holding it in for a couple of moments before slowly exhaling, his mind slowly clearing. Any fear, any hesitance would cost them. Illesia had to be faced without a single doubt in his mind...

___

"RRAARRGHHH!" Another one of her brothers fell, the energy turrets quickly sliced apart by her razor sharp talons as she growled at the steel barrier that separated the war room from their grasp. It had been a minor chore to get up to this area of the tower, some of her family falling by the hand of the Alliance soldiers, but the security detail at the very top of the tower had proven to be too much for most of those who had come with her. They were down to but three, three powerful, hungry warriors that had eviscerated every single threat in the hallway, making a clear path for Illesia to deal with the supposed leader of this government. 
"Do what you must...for your brothers! For your sisters! FEED ON THEIR FLESH FOR THE GLORY OF OUR PEOPLE!" They roared at Illesia's encouragement, throwing their bodies at the steel shutter as the head Xiis bounded down the hallway and into a circular room that put a Twi'lek into view, her eyes wide with terror.
"Come, darling...you and I have much to discuss." The Xiis dashed forward to her mark only to have a familiar barrier drop down right as she reached the threshold, her body slamming into the metal shutter. As she reeled backwards, Voldon released the cloak he had placed over them a few moments earlier, charging ahead and thrusting at the woman's exposed stomach. She managed to twirl out of the way, but not before the blade clipped her side, the sweet scent of burnt flesh wafting into the air along with a dramatic hiss. Her crimson eyes surveyed the room as the trio flanked her, a sensual laugh coming deeply from her throat, her eyes settling on Yerbol.
"I knew you couldn't resist for much longer, my love." He grit his teeth, anger threatening to derail his focus as he held his blade parallel to the ground in a defensive position. Illesia shot a glance and a wicked smirk at Aria, telling her:
"He was soooo tasty when we were together. I'm surprised you can keep your hands to yourself whenever he's in the room." With a cry of rage, Yerbol launched himself towards the Xiis, double bladed saber slicing through thin air as the Xiis jumped over him, planting her feet on his back and thrusting him into the ground before somersaulting onto her feet, landing a solid kick to Aria's chest as she ducked underneath a slash from Voldon. 
"Come darlings! Make it more of a fight!"